Indianapolis Community Requirement (ICR)
The Indianapolis Community Requirement (ICR) is a
core-curriculum requirement that involves students in a wide range
of reciprocal community partnerships wherein they can integrate
classroom knowledge with active experiences in the Indianapolis
community. All Butler students entering in Fall 2010 or later must
complete at least one ICR course before graduation. The ICR can be
satisfied through designated courses in the core curriculum, in the
student's major, or taken as electives.
The service-learning pedagogy (academic learning linked to
relevant community service) provides one model for ICR courses, but
courses based on models from the SENCER (Science Education for New
Civic Engagements and Responsibilities) project or the Critical
Listening initiative of the CCC can also satisfy the ICR.
Benefits of the ICR Approach
The ICR involves all participants-students, faculty, staff and
community members alike-in the learning process.
Students
ICR courses can accelerate the process whereby students master
the skills of their respective disciplines, enhance their
understanding of personal and social responsibility, develop
intercultural competencies, and foster civic mindedness. The
ICR:
- Reinforces skills learned in the classroom and demonstrates the
relevance of academic work for their personal and professional
development.
-
Broadens cultural competency and increases awareness of
current societal issues as they relate to academic areas of
interest.
- Improves interpersonal skills.
Promotes student development and
civic responsibility.
Widens networks and affiliations within the
Indianapolis Community for references, internships, and job
placement.
- Furthers independent learning and problem-solving skills.
If you are a student and interested in enrolling in an ICR course,
please read For
Students. A current list of courses satisfying the ICR can be
found here.
Faculty/Staff
For faculty and staff teaching these courses, the ICR:
- Strengthens students' grasp of disciplinary competencies.
- Provides an opportunity for innovative approaches to
instruction that accommodate multiple learning styles.
- Enhances quality of courses through more lively class
discussion and student participation.
- Creates new opportunities for faculty growth, research,
scholarship, and publication and increases opportunities for
professional recognition and reward.
- Supports Butler University's commitment to service.
For faculty and Staff interested in creating a ICR course,
please read For
Faculty. For course proposal forms and detailed guidelines for
ICR courses, please read course guidelines.
Community
Within the community, the ICR:
- Augments reciprocal partnerships within the Indianapolis
community that build on the assets of university students and
community members alike.
- Furnishes access to relevant university resources to meet
community needs.
- Offers opportunity for families, children, and community-based
organizations to foster today's generation to become tomorrow's
volunteers and civic leaders.
If you are a community member interested in developing a
partnership, please read our Community page.